I wish to address the letter of complaint ("Cemetery rules are disrespectful," Dec. 18) that included commentary on fallen monuments in historic St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. I was dismayed by the author's suggestion that our staff's time would be better spent picking up fallen monuments than policing decorations.

As the historian and project leader for the cemetery's preservation efforts, I take that comment to heart. I must admit the author is correct about one thing — there are a number of fallen monuments and markers that have been left to the elements. But to assume our staff would rather remove decorations in violation of the rules instead of addressing gravestone issues is not right.

Restoration work is ongoing in St. Agnes Cemetery and it is my highest priority. Funding for projects is donated by caring individuals and local businesses that, like me, recognize the historical significance of old cemeteries and take positive action to help preserve them.

In this year alone, we restored an entire section where 82 Civil War veterans are buried and reset and cleaned another 140 veterans' gravestones. Also, a large lot comprised of dozens of 19th-century monuments was restored. Countless hours were spent cleaning and repairing stones, planting flowers and weeding gardens.

I invite anyone who feels we are not doing everything we can to keep St. Agnes Cemetery in good repair to stop by and see me. I welcome the opportunity to show the good work that we have done and talk about ways the community can get involved. Complaints do not fix fallen monuments and sunken markers — hard work does.